Managing director Warwick Andrews has paid tribute to the coaching staff of Leeds Tykes for remaining calm and not panicking despite a wretched start to life back in National One.

The former Premiership club and Heineken Cup winners were given a brutal baptism to life in the third tier in the autumn, losing their first five games without so much as a losing or try bonus point to show for their efforts.

But out of the next 15 games they picked up nine wins and a victory over Bishop’s Storford at the Sycamores on Saturday would make it five in a row.

“After a tricky start we’re now on course, we’re now where we are envisaged we would be,” said Andrews, “but it’s taken a big effort from the lads and the coaching team to get us back to this level.

Leeds Tykes, playing against Dings Crusaders in November, have won nine of their last 15 games after a dire start (Picture: Tony Johnson)

placeholder image — Leeds Tykes, playing against Dings Crusaders in November, have won nine of their last 15 games after a dire start (Picture: Tony Johnson)

"Even after the start we made, the coaching staff remained confident, they were happy to say they knew it was going to be tough.

“That start was an eye-opener, but it prompted us to look for some new players and we got those guys in from Sale and Newcastle, while some guys came back to us.

“The coaches never panicked and the lads have put the graft in and it’s now coming to fruition.”

In a competitive relegation fight, where even second-bottom Dings Crusaders have six wins, three teams will be relegated to the regional fourth tier and fourth-bottom will face a play-off against the best of the National Two runners-up.

Tykes are two places and seven points above fourth-bottom, but are only looking upwards.

“If we can get to that .500 mark, that would be a very achievable aim,” said Andrews, borrowing an American sporting term from his time at Leeds Knights ice hockey club.

“Mid-table would be a good first year in National One, a good place to build from.”